And for the past two years from a legion of young volunteers and campaign professionals currently working to get him from Tallahassee City Hall to the Florida Governor’s Mansion.

What lit the spark? Maybe it was that moment two decades ago, on a paddle boat ride on the St. Johns River, when Gainesville High Student Activities Director Linda Awbrey predicted Gillum would be governor one day.

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Mayor Andrew Gillum hugs his forme Gainesville High School English Teacher, Pat Zick during the campaign rally at Kleman Plaza for his run for Governor of Florida on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Mayor Andrew Gillum’s son Jackson watches the crowd as his mom, R. Jai speaks duing a campaign rally at Kleman Plaza for his run for Governor of Florida on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Twenty years later, on a picture-perfect day in March of 2017, Awbrey stood at a podium in Kleman Plaza to help kick off Gillum’s campaign for governor.

“I’ve had the privilege of teaching many special students… but none were as gifted as Andrew in the leadership field,” Awbrey told an enthusiastic crowd of 300 people that day. “Young Andrew was different.”

That drive coupled with a desire to help others, an idealistic nature wedded to a strong sense of responsibility, are hallmarks of Gillum’s message as the charismatic mayor of Tallahassee crisscrosses the state in the waning days of the 2018 election.

And if the 39-year-old — or his campaign — seems too idealistic, Gillum’s journey is not without its pitfalls. Since the day he announced his candidacy, he’s been haunted by a low hum of scandal, an ethics complaint and a federal corruption investigation that has rocked City Hall.

File art: Mayor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters as he kicks off a statewide bus tour with a rally at Kleman Plaza on Aug. 20, 2018.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)

What sustains Gillum through it all are those voices telling him he is special, boosting his sense of righteous certainty that he is on track, that nothing can stop him from achieving his destiny. It's a certainty he's articulated since his days at Gainesville High.

"When my friend’s teacher heard I wanted to go into politics, she said, ‘But politicians are so corrupt!’" an 18-year-old Gillum told The Gainesville Sun. "And I said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ll be different.’"

Darrick McGhee, a Republican lobbyist who has known Gillum since their days at Florida A&M University, said he loves Gillum's optimism.

"I actually applaud it, truthfully,” he said. "The concern is — how realistic is it?”

A grandmother's vision

Gillum was born without money or power, the son of a construction worker father who struggled with alcoholism and a mother who drove a bus and took on odd jobs to make ends meet.

But the relationships he made throughout his career in high school and college student government opened doors to the rich and powerful who would help him get the resources he would need to make a run for the state’s highest office.

Frances Gillum speaks about her son, Andrew Gillum, during an exclusive interview at the Andrew Gillum campaign headquarters located off of North Magnolia Drive on September 28, 2018.(Photo: Alicia Devine/Democrat)

At a meeting of retired union members in September, Frances Gillum remembered her mother holding a 6-month-old Andrew and sharing her vision of him.

“This boy here,” Gillum’s grandmother told Frances, “is going to grow up to be over a whole lot of people. And everybody is going to know his name.”

Gillum often tells the story of his maternal grandmother, who would paint the sign of the cross on his forehead with olive oil and tell him to remember everything at school so he could “bring it home” to his siblings.

Gillum’s sense of fair play could be seen early on. At Westwood Middle, for instance, he collected signatures from every grade to push for Doritos in vending machines, presenting a petition to administrators, his mom remembered during an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.

“Like if somebody… did something that he thought wasn’t right in his mind, he would say, ‘Well, why?’ And, ‘I don’t think that’s right.’”

A student who found his future

Gainesville High and its diverse population gave him an arena to hone his respect for all people no matter their race, sexual orientation or status, Awbrey said.

An old photo of Andrew Gillum talking with Linda Awbrey, a mentor back from his days at Gainesville High School.(Photo: Special to the Democrat)

“Before he was on the City Commission or mayor or a candidate for governor, Andrew was a bright young man who cared about including everyone in any activity,” she said.

He went from class senator to sophomore class president to junior class president to student body vice president. “Through these years he not only gained respect of school, community, North Florida but the entire state,” she said.

He developed a keen interest in students less fortunate than he was. He became a youth board member of Chain Reaction with the March of Dimes, which aims to help every baby have a healthy beginning.

He also participated in youth court, giving teens who got into trouble a second chance and mentoring. And he worked with the Outlet, a community effort with the Gainesville Police Department to provide safe and age-appropriate drug-free activities.

Andrew Gillum poses for a photo with Linda Awbrey, a mentor back from his days at Gainesville High School.(Photo: Special to the Democrat)

Gillum remembers Awbrey and all the other teachers who guided him during campaign speeches when he urges higher pay for public school educators.

"A story like mine would not have been possible," Gillum told a 2011 Empower Educators Rally crowd, “without some of the dedicated teachers who spoke truth and power and potential and future into me.”

From FAMU to City Hall

Gillum parlayed the connections he made in high school to help him get into student government at Florida A&M University.

After helping lead a march in 2000 opposing then-Republican Gov. Jeb Bush’s One Florida plan to abolish affirmative action, Gillum, a fresh-faced political science major, became SGA president.

On the second anniversary of the march, bitterness over Bush moved Gillum to criticize FAMU for inviting the governor to be its 2002 commencement speaker. He didn’t want his fellow grads to sit at a ceremony “adorned by a governor who doesn’t believe in our institution.”

Bush declined the invitation.

“I have to say, I’m happy, to say the least. The wounds are too deep for this graduating class,” said a 22-year-old Gillum. A year later, he would become the youngest person elected to the Tallahassee City Commission.

With his family and closest supporters by his side, Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum secured the Democratic nomination for the govenor of Florida on Tuesday after a close race between him and party rival Gwen Graham. Andrew Salinero/Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum speaks to a crowd gathered for the March for Our Lives movement at the state Capitol. Gillum left his job at the People for the American Way Foundation to work for P&P Communications, a public relations firm.
Joe Rondone/Democrat Tallahassee Democrat

Joe Rondone/Democrat
Mayor Andrew Gillum chats with Lori Zengel, seated right, and Allison Holgan at Proof Brewing Company on First Friday where he was holding what he called "office hours" to chat with the general public.
Mayor Andrew Gillum chats with Lori Zengel, seated right, and Allison Holgan at Proof Brewing Company on First Friday where he was holding what he called "office hours" to chat with the general public. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum announced his ran for Governor March 4, days before the state of the 2017 Legislative session. Here Gillum poses with supporters. Joe Rondone/Democrat, Joe Rondone/Democrat

Taking photos with members of Speak Out Brevard. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat who is running for Florida Governor, was one of the speakers at a packed "People's Town Hall", organized by Speak Out Brevard, held at Viera high school auditorium Tuesday evening. Riley Shortt, for Florida Today

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat who is running for Florida Governor, was one of the speakers at a packed "People's Town Hall", organized by Speak Out Brevard, held at Viera high school auditorium Tuesday evening. Tim Shortt / Florida Today

Leah Hoodenpyle and her mom Emily talk with Mayor Andrew Gillum Saturday after hunting for eggs Saturday at the city of Tallahassee's Egg-straordinary Easter Egg Hunt at Messer Park. Ashley White/Democrat

Mayor Andrew Gillum hugs his former Gainesville High School English Teacher, Pat Zick during the campaign rally at Kleman Plaza for his run for Governor of Florida on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum hands out a fried fish lunch to city linesman and utility workers on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, as a thank you for their work during the recent storm damage and power outages in town. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum hands out a fried fish lunch to city linesman and utility workers on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, as a thank you for their work during the recent storm damage and power outages in town. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum holds his twin son Jackson while files his paperwork to get on the ballot to run for mayor of Tallahassee. His wife, R. Jai holds daughter Caroline. Glenn Beil

Vice President Joe Biden and Mayor Andrew Gillum visit Olean's Cafe on Adams Street in Tallahassee on Friday. Biden was in town for a fundraiser at the home of Don Hinkle, a noted Tallahassee trial attorney and Democratic donor. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Mayor Andrew Gillum and Secretary of Juvenile Justice Christina Daly, center, sit with others at City Hall Wednesday during a lecture by FSU's College of Medicine on the advantages of early detection of autism, both for parents, their children and society overall. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum takes a selfie with Broadway and TV star Angela Robinson Saturday. They are both Florida A&M University alumni. Tallahassee residents and visitors filled Florida A&M University's campus Saturday to watch the annual homecoming parade. More than two dozen organizations--including youth groups, community centers, churches and others--participated. It was the first time in the parade's 50-year history that the parade didn't start in Frenchtown. D.A. Robin/Democrat

Mayor-elect Andrew Gillum prepares his speech while feeding his 14-week-old son Jackson Gillum on Tuesday, August 26, at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Tallahassee. Michael Schwarz/Special to the Democrat

Mayor-elect Andrew Gillum prepares his speech while holding 14-week-old Jackson Gillum on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Tallahassee. Michael Schwarz/Special to the Democrat

Tallahassee residents and visitors filled Florida A&M University's campus Saturday to watch the annual homecoming parade. More than two dozen organizations--including youth groups, community centers, churches and others--participated. It was the first time in the parade's 50-year history that the parade didn't start in Frenchtown. Here, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and his wife, R.J., laugh with their children and with friends Saturday during the parade. D.A. Robin/Democrat

Owners of The Edison welcomed dozens of guests this week to the soon-to-be-opened restaurant on the edge of Cascades Park. Mayor Andrew Gillum praised the restaurant, which is in the skeleton of the city's old power plant, as an upscale and chimeric attraction to a city he says provides incredible quality of life. Owner Adam Corey and co-owner Ryan Grinder pledged Monday to provide consistency to Tallahassee. The restaurant is scheduled to open on Sept. 20. Here, Gillum listens to a speech from owner Corey. D.A. Robin/Democrat

Mayor-elect Andrew Gillum speaks during a press conference near Strozier library on the main campus of Florida State University on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in Tallahassee, Fla. Michael Schwarz, Michael Schwarz/Special to the D

City Commissioner Andrew Gillum speaks as the City of Tallahassee served up a scoop of sweet news about Change for Change on Tuesday afternoon. Change for Change is a program that allows City utility customers to add a monthly contribution to their utility bill to help address homelessness. Afterwards all were treated to ice cream. Glenn Beil Glenn Beil/Democrat

This week for Limelight Out and About, we visited the Mint Lounge, for the Annual Christmas Party and Toy Drive, presented by Mayor Andrew Gillum and Darryl Jones, Executive Director of Bethel CDC, on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. Guests brought unwrapped toys that will be shared with local children at the Tallahassee Housing Authority. Guests also enjoyed dancing, good food and live music by Vaughn "DJ Ace" Wilson. Chuck McClenton/Democrat

Gillum faced several controversial issues on the commission – some he stirred up himself — from a coal plant development he supported to advocating for gay employee rights. He also proposed the city do away with criminal background information on new-hire applications, which he followed through on after being elected mayor in 2014.

And he consulted with his closest adviser, his wife of nine years, R. Jai Gillum. The daughter of union organizers from Montgomery, Alabama, she met Gillum while they were both students at FAMU.

“I was pregnant at the time,” she told ABC News during an interview about the moment he decided to run. “I appreciated that he asked me, but it was not a question for me to say no to. Andrew is destined to do what he’s doing, and I never would have forgiven myself if I stood in the way of that.”

Once he made it official, money started coming in from the likes of liberal Hollywood celebrities Jane Fonda and Norman Lear, and billionaire liberal activists Tom Steyer and George Soros. Still, his campaign war chest didn’t come close to rivaling that of more mainstream candidates Gwen Graham and Philip Levine and much of his name recognition was credited to earned media.

Tom Steyer, an activist and founder of NextGen America, says he is spending a lot of time and money in Arizona to help save democracy in the era of Trump, while trying to alter Arizona's electorate in a lasting way. H. Darr Beiser/USA TODAY

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To calm his nerves on primary night, Gillum recited a prayer that hearkens back to childhood: "God, whatever you are doing, however you are doing it, I invite you to have your way in my life right now. And once I get to the point of that prayer, it is all done."

It's a prayer that he's said before each election and one he plans to repeat on Election Day.

“That means I have done everything that I can, and it’s in Your hands,” Gillum told the Tallahassee Democrat in an interview.

His come-from-behind win in the Democratic Primary defied the expectations of polls, pundits and prognosticators. He became an overnight media sensation, but also less accessible as his victory invited unprecedented scrutiny from state and national media.

The night of the primary win, Gillum and his wife got phone calls from President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Clinton, as well as President Barack Obama. But Gillum values the support of a little boy wearing a Gillum T-shirt as much as the call from the Clintons, R. Jai Gillum said.

“It was the same level of excitement of not wanting to let anyone down,” she said.

CLOSE

Andrew Gillum celebrates his victory as he wins the Democratic nomination for Governor
Tallahassee Democrat

Inspiration amid the firestorm

Once it became clear that Gillum's campaign could defy expectations and bring him a primary victory, coverage of his ethics investigation, the city's crime rate and an ongoing FBI government corruption probe at City Hall suddenly gained a national spotlight.

And along with it came the campaign appearances on national cable news channels, negative tweets from President Trump and his surrogates, and an appearance on the "Daily Show with Trevor Noah."

Trump has called Gillum a "stone cold thief" on a FoxNews talk show and has repeatedly said he runs one of the most corrupt cities in the United States. Gillum responded on Twitter with one of his patent sayings from his grandmother: "As my grandmother told me — never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it. So ignore him and vote, Florida!”

Trump was referring to an ongoing FBI investigation into City Hall broken by the Democrat over a year ago, before Gillum announced he was running for governor. Former friend and lobbyist Adam Corey is one of several people at the heart of the investigation and a key figure in a state ethics complaint involving trips to New York and Costa Rica.

Andrew Gillum and lobbyist/friend Adam Corey during a New York harbor boat ride with undercover FBI agents and his brother Marcus.(Photo: Photos subpoenaed by the state ethics commission)

"I had a trusting relationship and I felt like I allowed people around me who were acquaintances of his because I trusted him."

While batting away ethical questions that don’t seem to faze his supporters, Gillum has sustained a campaign high on empathy and appeal to working-class Floridians: education, healthcare, increased wages, winning hearts with a personable disposition.

He greets janitors and snaps selfies with students – with a warm, "What's up, man?"

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Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Students and community members gather near the eternal flame on Florida A&M's campus Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 before a march to the Florida State University College of Law to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum greets the Florida A&M High School homecoming parade as he arrives on the FAMU campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather around as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather around as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather around as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather around as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Rep. Ramon Alexander speaks in front of the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus before a march to the Florida State University College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 to encourage early voting. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Darryl Jones supporters march to the Florida State University College of Law from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus during a march to encourage early voting with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Marchers join arms as they begin their travels to the Florida State University College of Law from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus during a march to encourage early voting with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Jabaree Allen chants while supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Florida A&M senior Jodi Henningham, left, chants with supporters as they march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Cassandra Glover chants with supporters as they march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Florida A&M senior Kiomi Hughes appears in a friend's live video as supporters march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayoral Candidate Jeremy Matlow marches with current Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum marches with supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Florida A&M senior Jodi Henningham walks with supporters as they march with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum greets supporters as he arrives at Florida State University's College of Law after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum greets supporters as he arrives at Florida State University's College of Law after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather on the lawn in front of Florida State University's College of Law as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather on the lawn in front of Florida State University's College of Law as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather on the lawn in front of Florida State University's College of Law as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Florida A&M Student Government Association Vice President Robyn Seniors speaks at Florida State University's College of Law after marching with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum from the eternal flame on the FAMU campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members perform a step routine as supporters of Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum gather after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to Florida State University's College of Law to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Rep. Ramon Alexander speaks at Florida State University's College of Law after marching with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum and supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Rep. Ramon Alexander speaks at Florida State University's College of Law after marching with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum and supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Rep. Ramon Alexander speaks at Florida State University's College of Law after marching with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum and supporters from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Florida State University College Democrats President Joshua Hanson takes a photo with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum during a march and rally to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum speaks to supporters on the lawn of Florida State University's College of Law after a march from FSU and the eternal flame on the Florida A&M University campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather on the lawn in front of Florida State University's College of Law as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters gather on the lawn in front of Florida State University's College of Law as Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum arrives after marching from the eternal flame on the Florida A&M campus to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters take a selfie with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum after a march and rally to encourage early voting at Florida State University's College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Supporters cheer for Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum after a march and rally to encourage early voting at Florida State University's College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum gives a thumbs up as he boards his campaign bus after a march and rally to encourage early voting at Florida State University's College of Law Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Voters line up for early voting in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center after a rally with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Voters line up for early voting in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center after a rally with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Voters line up for early voting in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center after a rally with Tallahassee Mayor and candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum to encourage early voting Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

His young supporters all echoed each other — they see their alum as not just having the potential to become governor but to make his way to the White House one day.

Their excitement was palpable and contagious. As Taylar Hall, a 19-year-old student senate member and president of the FAMU's Chapter of College Democrats, said: "He definitely inspires me to go after my dreams — no matter what people say."